This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Welcome to the world's leading forum on Multiple Sclerosis research, support, and knowledge. For over 10 years, This is MS has provided an unbiased community dedicated to Multiple Sclerosis patients, caregivers, and affected loved ones.

One more point about the air bubble. It should be the last thing to leave the syringe. My Rebif nurse explained it to me this way - The air pushes all the medication out of the needle so you really inject it all. If it wasn't the last thing through then some of the medication would stay in the needle instead of entering your body. Also, when pushed out relatively fast, the air helps to move the liquid away from the injection site, thereby helping to prevent injection site reactions.

I also gave up the Rebiject after reading a post here last year about injecting "straight". I don't remember who it was, but they gave a couple of tips on how to uncap the needle. First, point the syringe needle-end up and make sure the air bubble is at the top (tap the syringe if you have to). Pull back on the plunger a couple of millimeters and pull off the cap. This prevents formation of a drop of the med on the tip of the needle thereby helping to keep the low pH Rebif from having direct contact with your skin (key to reducing site reactions). Then turn the syringe 180 degrees so that the needle points down and tap lightly to send the air bubble to the top, between the plunger and the liquid. Inject slowly and when you get to the air give a quicker push so the air will push the Rebif away from the injection site. You should be able to hear the air going in.

This method has worked very well for me. Other than red splotches, I haven't had any injection site reactions. Hope this help you to.

Hi Catfreak,
I've never done a subcutaneous injection, however, you may want to read my injection technique post in the Avonex forum. Essentially, I found that if I removed all of the air from the syringe, then I couldn't inject all of the medication. There would be about 60 to 75 µL left in the syringe. By keeping some air in the syringe, the air pushes the last bit of solution out of the syringe thereby making sure that I receive the full dosage.

I think MSLIFELINES thinks you will use the Rebiject forever, but I found it more my way to just to self inject. It's quicker and easier for me anyway. I will try the techniques you both provided and let you know.

Who is online

This site does not offer, or claim to offer, medical, legal, or professional advice.
All treatment decisions should always be made with the full knowledge of your physicians.
This is MS does not create, endorse, or republish any content.
All postings are the responsibility of the poster. All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owners. All users must respect our rules for intellectual property rights.